Home Run Derby 2024: Top Storylines to Track for Every Participant

Some of the biggest bats in MLB will take to the world stage Monday at 8:00 p.m. ET as part of the 2024 Home Run Derby from Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.

Two-time champion Pete Alonso leads a field that consists of some of the hottest, most exciting young stars and red-hot hitters finally gaining the recognition they have earned.

Will Polar Bear Pete tie Ken Griffey Jr. as the only player in the history of the event to win it three times or will a future face of the league, such as Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles or Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies, wow fans with electric displays of power?

Find out with this preview of the event.

2024 Participants

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 11: Alec Bohm #28 of the Philadelphia Phillies bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park on July 11, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Dodgers 5-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The field is set for this year's derby.

Competing for this year's crown are a mixture of veteran sluggers, hidden gems, and rising young stars.

They include:

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Pete Alonso, New York Mets

Alec Bohm, Philadelphia Phillies

Adolis García, Texas Rangers

Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles

Teoscar Hernández, Los Angeles Dodgers

Marcell Ozuna, Atlanta Braves

José Ramírez, Cleveland Guardians

Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals

MLB Showcases Its Rising Stars

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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JULY 11: Gunnar Henderson #2 of the Baltimore Orioles gets ready to bat against the Chicago Cubs at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 11, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

Bohm, Henderson, and Witt Jr. make up a field of young stars that will guide MLB for the foreseeable future. Not surprisingly, league officials would announce those three competitors out of the gate for this year's event.

On one of the biggest stages in baseball, with die-hard and casual fans alike watching, the Phillies, Orioles, and Royals stars will have the opportunity to win new fans and establish themselves as potential faces of professional baseball.

Oh, and they can hit, too.

Henderson leads the pack with 27 home runs, 61 RBI, and 107 hits. He has a batting average of .288.

Witt follows with 16 homers, 63 RBI, and 124 hits, and an average of .324.

Bohm does not have the power of his peers, with only 11 homers this season. That could be problematic in a derby where the object is to hit as many of those as possible, but in a more controlled environment, and great recognition at the plate, he could surprise.

The Philadelphia Phillie and starting third baseman has 105 hits, 70 RBI, and an average of .292.

There are other, more established stars in this year's derby who may steal headlines or have nicknames assigned to them based on previous appearances in this competition, but it would not be surprising at all if three of the hottest young bats in the game pull through and win the entire competition Monday night in Arlington.

Under the Radar Stars Take Center Stage

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CLEVELAND, OHIO - JULY 03: José Ramírez #11 of the Cleveland Guardians hits a ground ball fielder's choice during the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field on July 03, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Ramírez, Ozuna, and Hernández are all playing at high levels this season but if one casual fan was pressed to name 10 baseball players currently in MLB, it is safe to say that none of the three would be mentioned.

This is despite Ramírez and Ozuna having over 20 home runs, and Hernández sitting at 19 and ranking among the hottest hitters in the league entering the break.

They are stars on their teams and to their organization's fans but Monday night, will have the opportunity to show off for a worldwide audience.

Ramírez is the closest thing to legitimate superstardom and the best and most consistent hitter of the bunch. Of the three, he has the most potential to put on a show and win the derby.

Ozuna and Hernández are red-hot right now, with the former being the driving force behind an Atlanta Braves offense that is not nearly as hot as it was a year ago when it was historically explosive, and either could conceivably win the derby.

Still, the longtime Cleveland Guardian feels like the best bet of the three, but all should benefit from increased exposure, all while fans watch three extraordinary players shine.

Is This Mr. Derby's Last Year as Mr. Met?

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 11: Pete Alonso #20 of the New York Mets in action against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field on July 11, 2024 in New York City. The Mets defeated the Nationals 7-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Pete Alonson has adopted the responsibility of being the star synonymous with the Home Run Derby and returns to that stage Monday night.

Alonso has two derby titles and will look to add a third, which would tie him with Ken Griffey Jr. for the most ever.

This time, though, there are real questions about whether this will be the last time he appears in the blue and orange of the New York Mets.

Alonso is already the subject of trade discussions amid an expiring contract, such as The Athletic's Jim Bowden reporting interest from Houston, and might not finish the season with the only team he has ever known.

The Mets are playing their best ball of the year and have climbed their way back into playoff contention. Still, if the team can get something in return for Alonso as opposed to letting him test the market at the end of the season and potentially lose him for nothing, it would be irresponsible not to.

The return could potentially be even bigger if Alonso puts on a hitting show for the masses in Texas.

Alonso has 18 home runs to this point in 2024, with 49 RBI and an average of .241. He has not been the dynamic presence at the plate that he has been in other years but with a hand-picked pitcher and pressure to return to form after last year's disappointing performance in the Home Run Derby, do not be surprised if he obliterates the ball and advances to the finals.

And, perhaps more importantly, if teams in need of a bat sit up and take note.

Redemption for the Hometown Hero

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BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 29: Adolis García #53 of the Texas Rangers at bat against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 29, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

García fell short of advancing to the second round of last year's Derby, hitting just 17 home runs and falling to friend Randy Arozarena.

The only returning participant from a year ago not named Alonso, he has the added benefit of playing in his home stadium, in front of his home fans.

García has already matched his total from last year's Derby this season with 17 homers. His launch angle, according to Baseball Savant, is down from 15.7 to 14.9 but his max exit velocity is up to 116.1 from 115.1 a season ago.

He is off to a slower start than a season ago but is still a strong hitter who can absolutely demolish balls. With a hometown crowd behind him and an electric atmosphere, expect García to have a better showing than a year ago and represent the defending world champions in one of baseball's most popular events.